Adapting device for carpenters&#39; levels.



D. H. McCLELLAND.

ADAPTING DEVICE FOR CARPENTERS LEVELS.

APPLICATION'FILED FEB. 3, 1914.

L1%,M, Patented Aug. 29, 1916.

DAVID H. MCGLELLAND,

OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

ADAP'IING DEVICE FOR CARPENTERS LEVELS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug". 29, 1916.

Application filed February 3, 1914. Serial No. 816,182.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Dnvn) H. MoCLnL- LAND, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented new and useful Improvements in Adapting Devices for Carpenters Levels, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming part thereof The purpose of this invention is to provide a set of fittings whereby an ordinary carpente1"s level can be applied to a straightedge so as to form an operative portion of the straight-edge as a tool.

It consists of the features and elements described and shown in the drawings as indicated by the claims.

In the drawings :Figure 1 is a side elevation of a straight-edge with a carpenters level secured to it by means of fittings embodying this invention. Figs. 2 and 8 are perspective views of the two fittings, respectively, which comprise a set in accordance with this invention. Figs. A and 5 are perspective views of a modification showing the two fittings of a set. Fig. 6 is a detail view partly in section illustrating a further modification. Fig. 7 is a detail section taken as indicated at line 7-7 on Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a detail plan view of one member of the fitting shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing another modification of the invention, both fittings of the set being illustrated.

In building construction it is common practice to employ a straight-edge of considerable length, viz., from six to ten feet, which consists simply of a board, A, having one edge, A planed as nearly straight as possible, and the other edge, A usually made irregular in form to avoid any mistake in use. Tothis board, A, there is applied commonly a small. fitting usually carrying a pair of spirit level tubes disposed at right angles by which the straight-edge is converted into a level for use horizontally, also vertically for testing the plumbness of any construction work. It will be understood that the spirit level device must be very carefully adjusted in position on the straight-edge, A, in order to correspond accurately with the working edge, A thereof. Usually the board, A, will be made on the job and discarded when that particular 0b is completed, while the workman will preserve and carry with him merely the small spirit level device. In addition to this, however, he must also be provided with the common carpenters level usually made be tween one and three feet in length and of well seasoned wood of straight grain and accurately planed surfaces. This tool. is illustrated in Fig. 1 as composed of the bar, B, fitted with spirit level tubes, B and B respectively, the latter tube being intended for testing the plumbness of vertical construction and being set in ahole, B to facilitate reading. The ends of such a tool are usually armored with rectangular metal plates, not shown, and the fittings, C and D, which are the subject of this invention may be designed to replace such armor plates. These fittings, G and D, are provided, respectively, with lugs, C and D the former having a round hole, C and the latter having a slot, D whose width may be substantially equal to the diameter of the hole, C By replacing the ordinary armor plates of his level, B, with these fittings, G and I), the carpenter can make his level, B, take the place of the small spirit level device otherwise needed for attachment to the straight-edge, A, and he can thus dispense with the small size device entirely. In applying the level bar B, to the straight-edge, A, an ordinary wood screw, C will be inserted in the aperture, C and a similar screw, D in the slot, D Then with the working edge, B of the bar, B, approximately alined with the working edge, A of the straight edge these screws may be set into the side of the straight-edge board, A, so as to secure the bar, B, thereto; then by virtue of the pivotal connection at C and the slotted connection at D*, a final and accurate adjustment can be made before clamping the lug, 1), against the board, A, such adjustment being determined by tests common and familiar to those skilled in the art.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate slightly modified forms of the fittings, G and D, having their lugs, 0* and D equal in length to the respective body portions of the fittings which are to be secured to the ends of the level bar B.

Fig. 6 illustrates another modification in which a plate, E, of the form shown in Fig. 8 is secured to the end of the level in place of the fitting, D. A screw, G, rotatably mounted in the lugs, E of the plate, E,

engages threaded apertures in the lugs, F of a stamped fitting adapted to be secured to the straight-edge through the lug, F. This provides an even more sensitive adj usting device than the slotted fitting, D, it being readily understood that the final position of the level bar B, will be obtained by slightly rotating the screw, G, in its bearings, E

A further modification is illustrated in Fig. 9 showing simply a pair of plates, H and J ,which may be secured to the face of the level bar B, and which is to be laid against the side of the straight-edge board, A, and, preferably these plates should be set in flush with said face of the level as shown. They are provided, respectively, with an aperture, H and a slot, J corresponding to the similar features of the devices shown in Figs. 2 to 5.

I claim 1. In combination With a straight edge, a carpenters level, and means for securing it to a lateral surface of said straight edge in operative relation to the working edge which constitutes one boundary of said surface, such means comprising two fittings secured to the level at longitudinally separated points thereon, each fitting having a portion extending flush with one lateral face of the level and being perforated to receive an attaching screw adapted to pierce the said lateral surface of the straight edge to which the level is to be secured, whereby the clamping action of such screw will be exerted wholly upon the fitting and without straining the level bar itself.

2. In combination with a straight edge, a carpenters level, and means for securing it to a lateral surface of said straight edge in operative relation to the working edge which constitutes one boundary of said surface, such means comprising two fittings secured to-the level and extending respectively from opposite ends thereof substantially in the plane of the lateral face of the level, such extending part of such fitting being perforated to receive an attaching screw adapted to pierce the lateral surface of the straight edge to which the level is to be secured.

3. In combination with a carpenters level and a straight-edge, a pair of fittings for the purpose indicated, secured to the level bar at points longitudinally distant, and each having a portion which extends flush with one side of the level bar, one fitting having a circular aperture to receive a pivot screw, and the other fitting having a transversely-extending slot to receive a clamping screw and to permit adjustment of one end of the level bar toward or from the working edge of the straight-edge.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Chicago, Illinois, this 31st day of January, 1914.

DAVID H. MCCLELLZXND. l/Vitnesses Rom. N. BURTON, EDNA M. MAeINTosrI.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each. by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

